The French automotive giant Citroen, owned by Stellantis, has unveiled its newest offering, the mid-size SUV C3 Aircross, in the country. The company will launch the model in the second half of 2023, and this all-new SUV will compete directly with segment champions like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The brand new C3 Aircross SUV will offer a spacious cabin thanks to its 4.3m length and will be offered with 5-seat and 5+2-seat packages.
From the outside, the Citroen C3 looks strikingly similar to its hatchback siblings, the C3 and the all-electric eC3, but it still looks fresh, and there are some noticeable differences. One of the major highlights of the Citroen C3 Aircross is that it boasts a completely new design for its front bumper. The SUV looks strong and muscular and has an imposing presence. The new C3 Aircross features a high bonnet, wide track width, Citroën Y-shaped signature LED headlamps, and its popular double grille. The SUV also gets a silver skid plate on the bottom of the bumper. Dimensionally, the C3 Aircross measures 4.3 m in length, 1654 mm in height, and 1796 mm in width.
Moving on to the silhouette of the SUV, it stands out with its 200mm ground clearance, muscular wheel arches with large wheels and tires, and chunky black claddings. The Citroen C3 Aircross takes its butch styling inspiration from its elder sibling, the C5 Aircross, and appears to be massive. The A and B pillars of the SUV have been blacked out to provide a floating roof design. The C-pillar, however, is extremely thick and gives the SUV the distinct Citroen look. As for the rear styling, the C3 Aircross features two C-shaped taillamps, which appear to be connected to each other. The macho styling continues in the rear, and in the lower part of the bumper, it features a massive silver skid plate.
As for the interior, the new Citroen C3 Aircross will feature a 10-inch (26cm) touchscreen infotainment system along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car will also get a new 7-inch (17.8 cm) color TFT cluster screen with up to 6 modes for displaying vehicle information, as well as options to monitor trip computer, fuel consumption, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System to aid eco-driving. Sadly, the car will not feature an automatic climate control system and will come equipped with a manual air conditioner. It will also not feature any wireless charging pad. However, as mentioned, the SUV will be offered in 5-seater and 5+2-seater configurations, and the boot capacity in both configurations will be 444 liters and 347 liters, respectively.
In terms of drivetrain options, the C3 Aircross will only be offered with a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine, which will be able to produce a maximum of 110hp and 190 Nm of torque. The gearbox duties will be served by a six-speed manual transmission. As of yet, the manual gearbox is the only option for the SUV, but it is believed that, most likely, by the time of launch, the car will be offered with an automatic transmission as well. Additionally, the company has not revealed the price of the car, but it is anticipated that it could cost somewhere in the range of its competitors, including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Commenting on the unveiling of the brand new Citroen C3 Aircross Citroën CEO Thierry Koskas says: “We are very excited to reveal the All-New C3 Aircross to complement Citroën’s growing line-up in India. Like our New C3 hatchback with strong SUV styling codes, it was specially created with and for the discerning local consumers who want a pure Midsize-SUV for their family that is feature rich and comes at an affordable price. Our All-New C3 Aircross is a unique combination of strong, muscular design, connected technology and outstanding versatility with space for up to 7 people.”
He further added, “Because it is a Citroën, it delivers much more than that – it’s desirable because of our individual take on SUV design and customisation it’s capable and comfortable because of our unrivalled all-round approach to occupant well-being, and it will be a trusted member of every family thanks to our unprecedented commitment to delivering the best automotive ownership experience anywhere.”
Keyword: Citroen C3 Aircross unveiled – The newest Hyundai Creta challenger in the mid-size SUV block! Citroen C3 Aircross unveiled - The newest Hyundai Creta challenger in the mid-size SUV block!